Reply to: Business Bank Account - Recommendations

[Maslins]

I've been with Cater Allen for 5 years and fairly happy but recently working away and have to have more day to day transactions which is costing me a fortune.I just wanted to pay for everything with my business card to make accounting easier and I'm being stung 75p every time. So, I need an alternative that doesn't charge that even if I get myself a coffee or a pencil.

We use Cater Allen, and one thing which can help reduce the fees is getting a company credit card (not with Cater Allen). You can then put lots of your little purchases on there, and from Cater Allen's perspective it's then just one payment per month (hence one chargeable transaction per month) when you clear the balance, rather than each individual purchase on it.

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

*on

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

I was looking at Tide today and the only thing I'm hesitant about is lack of a hook up to Free agent. It also looks to be a bit of a Quikbooks type app for sole traders rather than Ltd. Could be wrong on that.

I've been with Cater Allen for 5 years and fairly happy but recently working away and have to have more day to day transactions which is costing me a fortune.I just wanted to pay for everything with my business card to make accounting easier and I'm being stung 75p every time. So, I need an alternative that doesn't charge that even if I get myself a coffee or a pencil.

The business current account works for limited companies. Re the freeagent feed, i know the guys at both Tide and Freeagent and the work of the integration is well advanced I’m assured.

[JRCT]

Tide get a good name. Not a bank as such but a current account with Barclays through Tide’s excellent app. Seems to be ok. Not sure about the t&c’s but the customer service is great, as is the five minute account opening. You can’t set up standing orders which may or may not be an issue and you can’t issue or bank cheques but what needs that these days?

I was looking at Tide today and the only thing I'm hesitant about is lack of a hook up to Free agent. It also looks to be a bit of a Quikbooks type app for sole traders rather than Ltd. Could be wrong on that.

I've been with Cater Allen for 5 years and fairly happy but recently working away and have to have more day to day transactions which is costing me a fortune.I just wanted to pay for everything with my business card to make accounting easier and I'm being stung 75p every time. So, I need an alternative that doesn't charge that even if I get myself a coffee or a pencil.

[Clearaccy]

I would personally use HSBC at the moment. They have free options for the first couple of years.

[rocketjet]

I opened an account via my accountant with Metro Bank. It took a couple of weeks to setup and am happy with the service. The minimum balance for no fees drops from £5k to £2k.

The main reason for choosing Metro Bank was because they are open 7 days a week so I can pop into a branch on the weekend if I ever needed to.

Everyone complains about bad service but no shouts about great service!

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

Tide get a good name. Not a bank as such but a current account with Barclays through Tide’s excellent app. Seems to be ok. Not sure about the t&c’s but the customer service is great, as is the five minute account opening. You can’t set up standing orders which may or may not be an issue and you can’t issue or bank cheques but what needs that these days?

[JonSmile]

Cheers for the replies.

I did look at Metro, but have seen so much bad press for them I was put off. Will now reconsider them.

Jon

[MrButton]

I use Metro, free and have a pretty good android app. Makes it easy to make withdrawals and payments from my phone. Works with FreeAgent. Can't ask for much more than that.

Same.

The iOS app is also excellent and simple.

Their customer service is excellent too. For example If you lose your card they can print one in branch.

[l35kee]

I use Metro, free and have a pretty good android app. Makes it easy to make withdrawals and payments from my phone. Works with FreeAgent. Can't ask for much more than that.

[northernladyuk]

Santander is free for me too.

The old man makes a lot of small denomination cash deposits.

[PhiltheGreek]

Coutts charge £90 a quarter to small fry such as yourselves. Whilst you can't buy class, you can at least make an effort. Failing that, I understand HSBC offer a very good service for only £5.50 a month.

[northernladuk]

Sorry to hear that - free banking for me matey

For now...

[Spoiler]

Metro Bank. Free banking if you keep some loose change in it (£5k min I think)

[SuperLooper]

Santander is free for me too.